The cash reward of Rs 10 lakhs announced by the Arunachal Pradesh Police for giving
information or clue leading to arrest of the assailant/s of Tongam Rina, Associate
Editor of The Arunachal Times still stands. The identity of the informer/s will be
kept secret. The informer/s may contact Capital SP at tele. numbers : 09436040006

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

ASUD help desk

ITANAGAR, May 20: Arunachal Student Union Delhi (ASUD) has setup help desk for all
students those who are seeking admission in Delhi University and other reputed institutions
in Delhi. ASUD suggested parents and students to contact ASUD or help desk for admission
related matters.

EKSWCO concerned at post-poll violence

SEPPA, May 20: The East Kameng Social Welfare and Cultural Organisation (EKSWCO)
has expressed serious concern over the post-poll violence that occurred in some pockets
of East Kameng especially district headquarter Seppa. While strongly condemning the
physical attack on a returning officer by a few disgruntled groups at Seppa, the
Organisation termed it as mindless act and demanded strong action against the perpetrators.

Meanwhile EKSWCO chairman Dr Tachi Taku has appealed to the denizens of the district
to restrain from taking law into their hands and solve the issues through dialogue
and by approaching appropriate authorities to redress their grievances. He also appealed
to the leaders of various political parties, intellectuals, youths and organizations
to shoulder the responsibility of maintaining peace in the district which got disrupted
after recent Panchayat Raj election.

Dr Taku while stating that that losing is an inseparable part of any election said
actual winners are those who take their loss sportingly but never fall back to serve
the society.

Cable damage continues to disrupt BSNL service

ITANAGAR, May 20: Lack of coordination among BSNL authority, Highway division, UD
and PHED continued to cause inconvenience not only to BSNL telephone and broadband
internet subscribers but also great problem to the service provider as the on-going
road widening works in Capital Complex has once again damaged cables in 6 sections
at '0' point here.

According to a BSNL release, heavy damage is caused to BSNL under-ground cable around
the capital complex due to developmental works being carried out by Highways, UD
and PHE Department without any prior information to BSNL, which led to inconvenience
to BSNL service consumers.

“We restored 4 DPs on May 17 with so much of difficulties. Again today, damage occurred
at 6 sections at '0' point,” the release said adding that repeated and frequent cable
damage has badly affected the BSNL landline and broadband services.

BSNL appealed its customers to inform any landline telephone/broadband fault so that
the damages can be restored immediately and before the roads are built permanently.

Sonam calls for peace and harmony

ITANAGAR, May 20: “Let’s set our state as an example of peace and harmony” said
Arunachal Pradesh Building and Others Construction Workers Welfare Board Chairman
Jalley Sonam while attending the 3 days Pentecost Day Celebration being organized
by Papum Pare district Revival Church Council at Christian Prayer Center Hara Happa
on Sunday.

Emphasizing the religious value, Sonam further opined that with help of religion
the state can be drug and crime free state. He also advocated the notion of communal
harmony and said that it should spread across the state, since Arunachal has cultural
diversity. Sonam also divulged on influence of money during the election and urged
the people not to be lured by the money during elections, rather, he said, one should
choose a good leader.

APCSOA condemns attack on EAC

PASIGHAT, May 20: The East Siang district wing of Arunachal Pradesh Civil Service
Officers’ Association(APCSOA) today vehemently condemned the attack on RO, Seppa
EAC Aistin Koyu at Seppa on May 19 last.

The unit said that, such assault on Administrative officers and Govt. officials on
duty has become a regular incident and needs to be dealt with iron hand.

The association appealed the government to arrest the culprits within three days
and to award them exemplary punishment as per the provisions of law. It also urged
the apex body of APCSOA and COSAAP to pursue the matter urgently and take a serious
note on atrocities committed on public servants on duty from time to time and such
incidents are highly demoralizing for the officers in imparting dedicated services
to the society.

The East Siang APCSOA appealed to its members to continue discharging their duties
without fear or favour and to work with honesty, dedication and commitment so that
the confidence and faith of the general public on Administration is maintained. The
district unit of APCSOA further threatens that; it would resort to democratic movement
if the government fails to take necessary action against the culprits within the
stipulated time. DIPRO

Death of Govt employee mourned

ITANAGAR, May 20: The officers and staff of the Gazetteer department today deeply
mourned the untimely demise of Putul Hazarika, an Assistant, who died on 19th May
last at R.K Mission Hospital here after prolonged illness.

Hazarika joined as lower divisional clerk under Education department way back in
1984 and later promoted to upper divisional clerk in 1994. Later he was transferred
to the state Gazetteers Department as an Assistant. He is survived by a wife and
two sons. The officers and staff observed two minute silence as a mark of respect
to departed soul.

Release stipend within a week: AAPSU

ITANAGAR, May 20: Fighting for the cause of students’ community, All Arunachal Pradesh
Students Union (AAPSU) today gave seven days ultimatum to the state government demanding
early release of stipend of various schools and colleges.

A team of AAPSU led by general secretary Biru Nasi and vice President (Protocol)
Happy Toko along with education secretary Danghi Mangam called on the Director Higher
and Technical Education seeking him for early release of stipend. The Apex student
union further served seven days ultimate to government to end the crisis and stated
that it would resort to democratic movement if the authorities fail to fulfill the
demand within given time. Union later informed that Director Higher and Technical
Education has assured to look into the matter.

Fire emanates from bore-well in Tirap

KHONSA, May 20: The most unexpected incident occurred at Namsang village in Tirap
district about 12 KM from Deomali on 19th May when the labourers of PHED were digging
a bore-well. A huge fire emanated from the bore-well after reaching a certain depth.
The PHED AE then informed the SDO at Deomali about the strange incident. SDO G. Singpho
immediately swung into action and called up all the relevant departments like fire-brigade.
He asked the AE, PHED to contact Oil India in Assam. Accordingly, the PHED AE informed
the Oil India. The Oil India officials said that there was no need for alarm adding
that the fire would douse in two or three days. It may be mentioned here that the
oil explorers have confirmed that oil reserve is present in some pockets of Deomali
areas. The local MLA Wangki Lowang also expressed his surprise over the hitherto
unseen incident and asked the PHED personnel to spare no effort in extinguishing
the fire to allay the fear of the villagers. Deomali is adjacent to Joypore and Naharkatia
in Assam so, presence of oil is not ruled out. DIPRO

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

309 days have passed. The culprits involved in the July 15 attack on The Arunachal
Times associate editor Tongam Rina are still at large.

ITANAGAR, May 20: The future of thousands of Arunachalee students, who are pursuing
higher studies at Chandra Mohan Jha (CMJ) University, Shillong is under the cloud.
The university is at the centre of row over how it offers Ph.D and B.Ed degrees to
the students without following the laid down norms. It is also accused of opening
study centres in various parts of country which is against the UGC guidelines.

The CMJ University was established in the year 2009 under the provision of CMJ University
Act 2009. The government of Meghalaya supported setting up of this university with
the hope that it will provide quality education to the students. However, the university
soon run into trouble as it created record of awarding large number of Ph.D degrees
though it does not have enough qualified faculty. The university opened its study
centre in Arunachal and started receiving admission for Ph.D and B.Ed degrees. Massive
number of students took admission in B.Ed degree starting from the year 2010. Some
of the passed out students of CMJ are currently working as teacher in various schools
of the state.

In November 2012 the candidates holding B.Ed degree of CMJ University were barred
by education department from appearing in the APTET exam on the ground that university
is not recognized by NCTE. Following this the appearing candidates knocked the door
of Gauhati High Court Itanagar permanent bench.

The High Court vide interim order dated 26-10-2012, allowed and directed the education
department to allow the candidates of CMJ university to appear in the Arunachal Pradesh
Teachers Eligibility Test. The result of the said test was declared on 30th November
2012 but the results of the CMJ candidates were withheld by the authorities. The
petitioners comprising appearing candidates and authorities of CMJ, thereafter, filed
Misc. Case (WP) No. 135 (AP) 2012 praying for declaration of the result. The same
court vide order dated 15-11-2012 directed the education department to declare the
result of the petitioners who appeared in the said APTET 2012. Since then in every
exam the students of CMJ has to knock the door of High Court some way or other. However
the majority of students have been fooled by the CMJ authorities. The guidelines
of University Grant Commission (UGC) clearly states no university can open study
centre in other states. In the statement uploaded in its website, UGC states, “It
has come to the notice of the University Grants Commission that some of the State
Private Universities have affiliated colleges and started off-campus centre(s) in
violation of the UGC (Establishment of and Maintenance of Standards in Private Universities)
Regulation, 2003 and against the judgment of Hon’ble Supreme Court in case of Prof.
Yash Pal & Others vs. State of Chhattisgarh & Others. Some of these Universities
are running these Centres on franchising basis also which is not allowed.”

“It is also informed that Private Universities cannot affiliate an institution/college.
They cannot establish off campus centre(s) beyond the territorial jurisdiction of
the concerned State. However, they can establish off-campus centre(s) within the
concerned State after their existence of five years and with the prior approval of
the University Grants Commission. So far, UGC has not approved any off campus centre(s)
of any Private University. Course(s) under distance mode can be started by a private
university only after the prior approval of the UGC-AICTE and DEC joint Committee
for which Director, Distance Education Council, IGNOU, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi -
110068 is the coordinator,” UGC added. Therefore, the CMJ violated UGC guideline
and offered illegal degrees to various students. The Governor of Meghalaya R S Mooshahary,
who is visitor of CMJ University, filed an FIR against university on 30th April.
The founder of university Chandra Mohan Jha fled from the state immediately. The
CMJ fiasco is serious case for the state of Arunachal Pradesh.

Large numbers of private universities are also coming up in the state. It include
Arunachal University of Studies (Namsai), Indira Gandhi Technological and Medical
Science University (Ziro), Venkateshwara Open University and The Himalayan University
(Both in Itanagar) and Apex Professional University at Pasighat. All these private
universities are backed by powerful politicians including ministers and parliamentary
secretaries. Some of them, have even started admission procedure. The big question
is that have they got recognition from UGC, AICTE, NCTE, Bar Council of India, Medical
Council of India and other statutory bodies in this regard? If not, these universities
are threading dangerous path and future of students will be in danger.

Media fraternity condemn killing of media employees in Tripura.

ITANAGAR, May 20: Arunachal Press Club and Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists
have condemned the incident wherein three employees of Agartala based Bengali daily
- Dainik Ganadoot - were stabbed to death inside its office by unidentified assailants
yesterday.

The assailants, who had come on a motorcycle, barged into the office at about 3PM
yesterday and stabbed a proof reader and a driver on the ground floor before proceeding
to the first floor where they stabbed the office manager. The deceased have been
identified as Sujit Bhattacharya (32, proof reader), Ranjit Chowdhury (60, manager)
and Balaram Ghosh (40, office driver).

A reporter on seeing the assailants stabbing the two men fainted and was left unharmed.

Demanding early arrest and exemplary punishment to the assailants, the duo organizations
further urged the Tripura government to provide security to the lives of journalists
and employees of media houses in the state.

Meanwhile, Journalists’ Forum Assam (JFA) has expressed utter dismay at the incident
of unprovoked attacks on the office of the Agartala based Bengali newspaper that
resulted in the murder of three employees.

In a statement, the Forum has condemned the incident and urged Tripura Chief Minister
Manik Sarkar to thoroughly probe into the matter to punish the guilty individuals.
The JFA asserted that in any situation the attack on a newspaper house can not be
tolerated in a democratic country like India where the freedom of expression is guaranteed
by the constitution. The Forum, while expressing concern about the attacks on media
persons in various States of the region in recent past, has extended all possible
help and cooperation to the media fraternity of Tripura for their next course of
actions asking justice for the victim families.

Describing the gory incident of Tripura a very dangerous development to the media
fraternity of northeast India, the JFA has called for a protest meeting at Guwahati
Press Club at 1 pm. All media persons based in the region and their respective organizations
are welcome to the meeting, concluded the statement.

Ex-PI & publishing house chairman Sokjar Gamlin dies

ITANAGAR, May 20: Sokjar Gamlin, former Political Interpreter (PI) and Chairman,
S&G Printing and Publishing House that owns English daily newspaper - Eastern Sentinel,
passed away this morning at a private hospital in Guwahati. With his demise the
state has lost one of the few remaining Arunachalees to have worked with both British
and Indian governments. As per the family sources, he breathed his last at 6.45
am.

Gamlin was 91 and is survived by his wife, Gamde Ete Gamlin, seven children and several
grand and great grand children.

Born on June 16 1922, Gamlin started his career in 1946 as “Harkara” or “Orkora”
as was popularly known, under the supervision of the then Political Officer, PLS
James at centennial township of Pasighat. A year later, in Pasighat itself, after
India’s Independence, he was absorbed as “Political Peon”. Within 2 years, on March
1949, he was promoted as PI or “Kotoki” as is known amongst tribals. His first place
of posting was Pasighat again.

After 34 years of illustrious service, he retired in 1980 as Grade-I, Political Interpreter.
During his long career, he spent most of his time in outposts such as Tato, Tirbin,
Pangin, Basar, Liromoba etc. Significantly, during the “Achingmori Incident”, he
was posted at Gussar in Tagin area (1952-55). Pre and Post the “Massacre of 45
government servants at Achingmori”, he was part of the missions in negotiating and
reigning administrative control over new tribal belt.

Chief Minister Nabam Tuki expressed profound grief and sorrow over death of Gamlin,
one of the pioneers of Arunachal Pradesh and a first generation citizen who left
behind a legacy to cherish.

“Late Sokjar Gamlin will always be remembered for his zest to live a life of content
and contributions to the society by bringing up a family of able sons and daughters,
who have achieved success and contributing their bit for progress and welfare of
the state in their chosen fields of professions,” Tuki said in a condolence message
to Transport Minister Jarkar Gamlin, the eldest son of Sokjar Gamlin.

“Sokjar has been a fatherly figure for not only the people of West Siang but of Arunachal
Pradesh. He will always have a special place in the hearts of every Arunachalee.
His loss has ended an era of exemplary achievements made in a lifetime and a living
source of inspiration, “ the message said.

I pray the Almighty to bestow you with strength to bear the loss. “May the soul of
one of the first generation citizens of Arunachal Pradesh rest in peace in his heavenly
abode”.

The Arunachal Press Club and Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalist also condole
the death of Sokjar Gamlin, Chairman, S&G Printing & Publishing House that owns English
daily newspaper- Eastern Sentinel. The two organizations remember the contributions
of Late Gamlin who took pain to set up a newspaper in the state and thereby contributing
in the socio-economic development of Arunachal. While thanking him for his contribution
in the field of journalism, the two organizations prayed for the peace of the departed
soul. Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee also deeply mourned the death of Sokjar
Gamlin, father of former Chief Minister and present MLA Jarbom Gamlin.

ADG (P) NE Region visits Itanagar AIR and DDK kendras

ITANAGAR, May 20: Additional Director General (Programme), North East Region C Lalrosanga
today visited regional kendras of Doordarshan and All India Radio (AIR) in Itanagar
today. During his interaction with officials and staffs of DDK, Lalrosanga said DDK
Itanagar is one of the most important kendras in the country due to Arunachal’s strategic
location.

Stating that Prasar Bharti is working on to transfer Director level officers to look
after programming, he asked the Kendra to increase local transmission hour by starting
transmission from 3 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. While calling for improving the
content of programmes and news telecast from the Kendra, C Lalrosanga said a uniformed
transfer policy for all the kendras in the North East is being revised. The matter
of staff shortage will be taken up at the appropriate level, he added.

Later visiting the AIR station in C Sector, the ADG asked the station officials to
start FM programmes from AIR Itanagar from 15th August. He said apart from entertainment
and interactive programmes, regional news should be carried by the FM channel. This
will increase the popularity of AIR and help in earning more revenue. Lalrosanga
further said a committee has been formed to look into reported air wave propaganda
from neighbouring countries.

Corrective steps will be taken up to fend off such onslaught after the committee,
of which he is a member, makes a thorough investigation into the matter.

‘East Kameng APCSOA’s decision unfortunate’

SEPPA, May 20: East Kameng Deputy Commissioner has termed very unfortunate the APCSOA,
East Kameng District unit’s decision to stop working by availing indefinite mass
casual leave from today in protest against alleged attempted abduction of CO cum
Returning Officer Khoda Lasa and Chayangtajo ADC cum Returning Officer Jalash Pertin.

The decision of APCSOA’s East Kameng unit to stop all works, including election,
administrative and counting of ballot papers scheduled on May 21 is very unfortunate
and it is not in the interest of the district administration, public and the Government,
East Kameng Deputy Commissioner Tope Bam said. The DC claimed that he was not aware
of any such incidents of attempted abduction of Returning Officers. He, however,
said that a group of public in presence of Seppa West MLA demanded RO Lasa for re-polling
in Nepuwa Cheda GP segment of 97-Pipkoro GP under 100-Pipkoro polling station on
the ground that 68 voters out of 109 could only exercise their adult franchise and
rest were allegedly barred from voting by opposition party.

The DC, however, condemned the manhandling of EAC (PR) A Koyu, Returning Officer
of 7-Seppa East and 8-Seppa West Anchal Samities on May 18 outside the Counting Hall
and informed that Police has launched operation to arrest the culprits who are still
absconding.

Bam said that the Superintendent of Police has provided armed PSO to each of the
thirteen APCS officers serving in the district for their security.

“Though I was tortured mentally for two days on May 17 to 18 by the contesting candidates
and their supporters in my office chamber demanding re-polling in few polling stations
I politely dealt with them maintaining utmost restraint so that the situation does
not aggravate,” Bam said.

Further, what most saddened me were the comments passed by my junior colleagues describing
me efficient and indecisive.

“I have never ever seen using such derogatory words by junior APCS Officers to their
seniors. It has not only hurt my sentiment but also disgraced the entire APCS organization.
Bam is one of the senior-most APCS Officers, who has completed 36 years of service
with utmost sincerity and dedication.

“Despite their negative stand I have no ill feelings against them and hoping that
a better sense will prevail in the end.” DIPRO

Security beefed up for counting of votes

ITANAGAR, May 20: Reports pouring in from various districts of the state revealed
that hectic preparation for counting of votes is over.

At Itanagar, Capital Complex Deputy Commissioner Pige Ligu held a meeting today
with the Executive Magistrates and Police Officials to streamline the system of handling
the law and order in the capital complex area on the counting day and after declaration
of Municipal Election result tomorrow. The counting will start tomorrow at 9am sharp.
A loud speaker has also been installed outside the hall for announcing election results.

While appreciating the efforts of the Magistrates and Police Personnel for carrying
out the voting process successfully without any law and order problem on May 16,
the DC stressed on the need to deploy Magistrate and Police personnel sector-wise
on 21st, 22nd and 23rd May next also.

He further instructed all the Magistrates who were deployed on the voting day to
perform Magistrate duty on the above days as well. As traffic congestion is expected
on the counting day in and around the Siddhartha Hall premises due to space constraint,
the DC has directed the SDPO Itanagar T Gussar not to allow the vehicles of Candidates
and their agents beyond the main entrance at tri-junction of Donyi Polo Road- Museum
Road-Sidhartha Hall. He also asked the SDPO to allow them to park their vehicles
in the nearby area instead. He further informed that the vehicles of Magistrate,
Police, officers and staff on election duty will be allowed to enter the premises
of the Sidhartha Hall.

Later, the SDPO explained in detail the deployment of Police Personnel sector-wise
and the various locations of Nakhabandhi and Mobile Patrolling.

At Aalo, a two days elaborate training to ROs, AEROs and counting supervisors was
held at DC’s Conference Hall and District Keba Dere, Aalo on 19th and 20th of May.
Personally supervising the training session, West Siang DEO M.K. Sahoo advised all
officials entrusted for counting duties to carry out the state task to its logical
conclusion.

He exhorted the officials to use their wisdom, knowledge and experience for successful
completion of Panchayat Election in the district. The two day long training on counting
was imparted by Master Trainer, Henrik Basar.

Meanwhile, the re-poll at 3/4 Jeyi Bagra Polling Station under 3 Pushi Anchal Samity
and Zilla Parishad Member Constituency was conducted successfully amid tight security
without any scope for further law and order problem. The polling team along with
magistrate and security personnel reached Aalo in time and sealed ballot box other
materials have been put into strong room.

The Upper Siang District which has four counting centers - Yingkiong for Yingkiong
and Jengging Anchal Blocks, Mariyang for Mariyang-Mopom Anchal blocks, Geku for Geku
and Katan Anchal blocks and Tuting for Tuting and Likor- Singa Anchal Blocks have
all set for counting of vote tomorrow. In case of Yingkiong the counting will be
held at Multipurpose Community Hall, Yingkiong.

Security has been tightened with deployment of ITBP personnel in and around the counting
center. The DC cum DEO L. Borang said the counting officers should have proper knowledge
of rules of counting. He asked them take it sincerely and seriously.

The hectic preparation for the counting of votes is over in Tirap district. The fate
of the contesting candidates which are effectively sealed now in the ballot boxes
will be opened tomorrow. All required arrangements for smooth counting of votes are
in place. Elaborate security arrangement has been made considering the sensitivity
of the district. Tirap Deputy Commissioner cum DEO Dr Sachin Shinde is personally
supervising all the arrangements to ensure error-free counting process. A number
of government employees have been trained to ensure that the counting process is
as per the laid down rules.

For the first time, 4 cameras will be installed, 3 for the live feed on website and
one for live-viewing outside the counting hall. The general public and the political
parties and their supporters can watch the counting process from outside the counting
center. The live feed on counting will be available on www.tirap.nic.in

The DEO has appreciated the effort of the DIO, NIC Ajay K. Singh for arranging the
facilities for live-viewing which is the first of its kind in the district.

At Pasighat, counting of votes (Panchayat & Municipal) will be taken up tomorrow
in the DC’s Conference Hall. Arrangements have been made for recording the entire
counting process and tight security arrangements were made at strong rooms where
EVMs and ballot boxes were kept after the polling, official sources informed.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner RK Mishra along with SP Pushpendra Kumar reviewed
the security arrangements of counting hall and strong room after attending a series
of meetings held with the entrusted counting officers and party candidates and agents
etc held in the Panchayat conference hall. Duo confirmed that elaborate arrangements
are in place for smooth counting process and adequate security personnel will be
deployed to maintain peace and tranquility in the township.

While addressing the counting supervisors, counting and tabulation officers, assistants
and attendants, Mishra advised them to take optimum benefits of the final training/demonstration
which was being imparted by ECIL engineer (s) on the day with a mission to conduct
the counting process smooth and error-free.

Later Mishra while attending another consultative meeting with the party candidates
and agents asked to maintain decorum inside the counting hall (DC’s conference hall)
in particular. He informed that elaborate security arrangements have been made where
all the ballot boxes of Panchayat election and EVMs of Municipal election are stored
for the counting of votes, which would be held May 21 as per schedule. He conveyed
his thanks to the candidates and their supporters for their cooperation which resulted
in fair and peaceful voting on May 16 last in the district. He appealed all not to
breach law and order situation in the township. SP Kumar said there will be no compromise
with peace and protection of the citizens. He said if candidates takeout any victory
processions on streets, those should be guided by senior leaders/citizens so that
no untoward incident occurs. DIPROs

Indo-China water sharing treaty a must: NCP

ITANAGAR, May 20: With both Asian Giants trying to exploit the huge Himalayan Glaciers
to uplift their economy, the issue of having an early Treaty on Water sharing has
become the issue of utmost importance, especially for the down stream Nations like
India and Bangladesh. According to the NCP President Arunachal unit Kahfa Bengia,
mere sharing of Hydrological Data is an eye wash.

The Indian Government aim of converting Arunachal as Power House of the Nation will
remain as utopian dream unless it compels the Chinese authorities to ink a Water
Sharing Treaty or Joint Commission.

According to Bengia, the dormant reaction on Stapled Visa issue or withdrawal of
Indian troops from its own land in Ladakh Sector or artificial sealing of traditional
border trade points - all point to the weak and parochial central policy and leadership
vis-a-vis the assertive China. Had the Govt. of India under the Congress leadership,
not adopted a meek stand vis-a-vis Tibet, Arunachal today or for that matter Ladakh
region would not have been a subject of territorial dispute, Bengia said.

The Indian Union is now at the mercy of the Chinese Water Bomb on one hand and burden
of sheltering millions of Tibetan refugees on the other, Bengia opined.

With China already completing numerous mega dams on their side of River Brahmapurta/Tsangpo
in Tibet region, the Indian counter part has no option but to belief the secretive
Chinese version of Run of the River Projects with no affects on downstream water
flow. The seemingly option less Indian Govt., according to Bengia, should now wakeup
from the deep slumber and mobilize international opinion on sharing and management
of water resources. Failure to do so will mean preferring to remain under the subjugation
of Chinese sovereignty over the huge water resources of Himalayan Glaciers and consequent
withdrawal of the multi-billion Power Companies venturing to tape the huge Water
Resources of Kameng, Siang, Lohit and Subansiri - all the originating from Chinese
occupied Tibet Region, Bengia asserted. Bengia said that a memorandum on the issue
has been sent to Prime Minister, Congress President Sonia Gandhi and NCP Supremo
Sharad Pawar.

The highly endangered Gangetic Dolphin (Platanista Gangetica) is in troubled waters,
in its own habitat: a vast stretch of the Yamuna between Panchnada and Sangam (Allahabad).
The rampant use of giant-sized dredgers for irrigating farmlands combined with illegal
fishing and reckless sand mining is pushing the dolphins to a dangerous brink on
the Yamuna in and around the Hamirpur district, even as the authorities turn a blind
eye.

River Yamuna is the largest tributary of the Ganges in northern India. Originating
from the 6,387-metre Yamunotri Glacier, it travels 1,376 kilometers and has a drainage
area of 366,223 sq km (40.2% of the entire Ganges Basin), before merging with the
Ganga at Triveni Sangam.

According to experts during their survey, most of the dolphins in river were seen
in the approximately 400-km stretch between Panchnada in Etawah and Sangam in Allahabad.
What is worrying the environmentalists is the rampant use of dredgers by the district
irrigation department, which has led to acute water scarcity in the river and is
posing a serious threat to aquatic life on the stretch.

Farmers are happy that they are getting enough water from the river through dredgers
but the practice is killing the Gangetic Dolphin and other aquatic species. As per
the findings, Gangetic Dolphin, India's national aquatic animal, need at least 266.42
m3/sec flow and 7m deep waters for its survival.

Vote for money is shameful act

Dear Editor,

One vote one person Rs.1000/- should be the new salient feature of our constitution.
People make a good deal of business out of it. Now one vote cost above Rs.4000/-.
Even if the candidate is worthy or is a relative, all they want is money in exchange
of casting a vote. People are not choosing the right candidate. They are selling
their votes for this illegal money. They are forgetting that the money they are getting
for their votes are our own money. For eg: this time students studying outside the
Arunachal Pradesh have not received their stipend.

Citizens are involved in activities like allowing an underage to cast a vote for
few sum of money should be clear about the fact that it’s against the law. You are
losing your right to agitate against exploitation by the chosen leaders. You are
losing your self respect in the name of that illegal money as well as you are killing
the innocence inside the child. This money is not gaining anything for you, but
you are becoming a criminal for indulging underage children into politics. Just to
make some money out of voting don’t commit illegal activities, don’t involve a child’s
innocence. Make a right decision and cast your vote wisely for a true leader. Last
but not the least don’t flow into the system but break into the system.

Yours,

Ngape Ronya

VKV Itanagar

Stand up & do it now

Dear Editor,

After all the rushes of election, finally it has come to an end. The most worthy
would go for champagne and the less worthy would wait for the next coming election.
But what about all the posters splashed across state??? These posters tucked on the
walls make the place very dirty and sleazy. Those posters were used to promote the
advertisement of the candidates but after the completion of the voting process, those
posters are now just sticking on the walls. So, now, what is needed? Cleaning up
of all the posters. The cleaning authorities have got nothing to do with it. At least
the wining party should persuade their members to clean up the posters and dump it
in a proper bin. Because they are the one who pasted it on the wall. This good act
would grace the candidate for the whole 5 years. And we citizens are also there to
clean our place for our welfare. Doing this would make a huge difference. Please
don’t have the attitude of “CHORO NA KYA KAREGA” stand up & do it now.

Yours,

Manisha Hina

V.K.V Itanagar

Gohpur Tinali road need attention

Dear Editor,

Through the column of your esteemed daily, I would like to attract the attention
of the government towards the pathetic condition of the roads of Gohpur Tinali. It's
barely out of the Stone Age. The road has more holes than a Swiss cheese mountain
riddled with bullets. During the rainy season many puddles are formed creating problems
for the residents.

Be it spoiling the uniform of students or causing accidents; the road is always at
our service. Last year, at least half a dozen two wheelers had an accident each day
when it rained moderately or severely. What's more, the drains being out of order
make a perfect combination with the ailing road. The road becomes muddy and slippery
when water overflows from the drains. But that's not all; some people also get the
bonus offer when the road directs the rainwater in their homes, creating a mess.
Gohpur Tinali needs special attention as it is a developing area and the tourists
have to face the wrath of the road when they visit the Ganga Lake and the Zoo-the
major tourist attractions of Itanagar.

But this case is not only for Gohpur Tinali, it's for the whole town of Itanagar.
The roads don't look like a National Highway at all. It is true that Arunachal Pradesh
has a great potential in the tourism sector. So, I beg the concerned authorities
to understand the gravity of the situation, take necessary action and stop reminding
our valued tourists of Swiss cheese.

Yours,

Kaling Danggen,

VKV Itanagar

Lies and tricks are revealed one day

Dear Editor,

I would like to share few things regarding recently held Panchayat Election. This
time I went to my village to cast vote. When I reached there I found village fully
decorated with garlands of party affiliated banners and flags and posters in walls
of every house. One thing that left me annoying was wrong concept that was set on
minds of villagers especially the old folks. When I enquired they were telling me
astonishing things like they will cast their vote only for candidate of certain xyz
party. Further they were telling that xyz party had told them that the cloth they
wear, the food they eat, the money they use all belong to that xyz party and strictly
under their control and that these xyz party declares itself as supreme. So villagers
were made to vote only for candidate of that party. I was really dazzled that how
childishly illiterate villagers and old folks are befooled. I could directly analyze
what kind of person that candidate might be representing that xyz party. I tried
to clarify those villagers about wrong concept but they were not willing to accept
the truth. I really felt sorry for them.

Therefore I would like to request that xyz party and other's not to misguide the
villagers. And will also like to ask how come you declare your party as supreme and
the deciding factor of an individual? People's are there not because of any political
party, but those political party's exist only because of the people. Though illiterate
villagers and old folks may be your easy prey but educated and intellectuals laugh
on your declaration and easily analyze your party and its motives. So, next time
in any election don't use such childish and rubbish tactics, as lies and tricks are
revealed one day or other!!!

Yours,

Duyu Tagio

Do we have government in Arunachal Pradesh?

Dear Editor,

The incident of Hasse-Russa is shocking. But more surprising is the response of our
Government. I wish to ask- is it not a displacement of our democratic and constitutional
right? What about our liberty and freedom at homeland? Can’t we even protect ourselves
at home? How can our leaders be silent when their subjects are sleepless and pestered?

We believe that- Government is by the people, are the people and for the people.
But with continuous Chinese incursion, Assam’s encroachment and our very own country’s
denial, I doubt our stand point. I even doubt that these heartbroken grievances will
be even heard. The only question which runs on the back of my mind is, “Do we have
a Government in Arunachal”??!!